Leadership Studies

This course will introduce students to the multiple dimensions of leadership. Students will come to understand the critical influence of Christ-centered transformational leadership in diverse cultural contexts. Transformational leadership offers Christians a powerful means to work for restoration in today's global society. Transformational leaders provide followers with an inspiring mission and an influence that fosters passion. These leaders challenge their followers to identify problems and think in new and unique ways about solutions. They motivate by being visionary and showing love and care for others. They encourage and support followers. They empower them. Transformational leadership is essential in our global world today as we confront racism, hunger, poverty, disease and a number of other societal ills. We need leadership that can embrace difference, foster respect and dignity for people everywhere, and nurture a systemic change that encourages thriving in every community. In this course students will explore and compare major theories of leadership as well as the Biblical narrative and begin to discover how they can flourish as a gifted human being at work in the Kingdom. This seminar will foster a sensitive social conscience and seek to develop dynamic transformational servant leaders who will work intentionally and passionately toward restoration and transformation in today's global society. (4 credits) (NWCore option under Cross-Cultural Engagement) Note: GEN150CC is a requirement for the recipients of Servant Leadership Scholarship. It is also a recommended course for second year Bridge Scholars and students involved in student leadership positions on campus.

This course invites students to explore the philosophy of servant-leadership, identify its characteristics, and discover its broad applications. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the paradox of being a servant-leader and to empower students to practice servant-leadership and to serve and love God's world. Prerequisite: Must be sophomore standing or higher. Cross-listed with Christian Education. (2 credits; alternate years, consult department)

This course offers students an extensive examination of leadership in organizations and provides a set of experiences that are designed to enhance self-awareness and capacity for effective leadership. As such, students will explore both how organizations function and leadership and followership choices within organizations. The coursework will allow individuals to begin to develop a vision of their leadership practice within a perspective of how organizations work in God's world. It will include an overview of issues related to organizational leadership, including the definition of organizations, theories of leadership, characteristics and behaviors of leaders as well as varying contexts under which leaders must perform. Prerequisites: Junior standing or permission of instructor. (4 credits)

This course invites students to explore the philosophy of servant-leadership, identify its characteristics, and discover its broad applications. The purpose of this course is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the paradox of being a servant-leader and to empower students to practice servant-leadership and to serve and love God's world. Prerequisite: Must be sophomore standing or higher. (2 credits; alternate years, consult department)

(2 credits) This course introduces the student to the basic principles of management. It includes the understanding of manager's actions in the work place, on the organization and employees. It includes the study of basic management tools and techniques.

(2 credits) This course is an introduction to the field of project management. The main objective is to gain a basic overview of how project management is an art, a science, and a practice. Students will gain technical skills but even more importantly soft skills. Projects are about people, working with people, using skills like communication, working effectively in teams, interpersonal skills, time management, critical thinking, and organizational skills that are all highly valued by employers. The course will emphasize experiential learning and collaborative learning. Prerequisites: BUS200 or BUS201.

A discussion of myths and facts leading toward an understanding of many social problems, such as sexual deviance, drugs and alcohol, health care and illness (physical and mental), crime and delinquency, violence, wealth and poverty, inequality of opportunity, work, aging, sex inequality, racial minorities and discrimination, education, family problems, war, pollution, ecology and population. Emphasis is placed upon difficulties in defining, critiquing and proposing meaningful solutions.(4 credits)

This course involves the study of the way individuals think about, influence and relate to one another. Topics include: attitude change, social thinking, conformity, obedience, persuasion, prejudice, aggression, altruism, roles, norms and environmental influences on social behavior. The major aim of the course is to encourage an appreciation of the relationship between personal and situational determinants of social behavior.Prerequisite: PSY111, 221, or SOC101.(4 credits)

Introduction to the field of public relations. Its focus is on public relations theory and practice with an emphasis on emerging trends. This course is offered as an overview covering public relations history, theories, strategies and tactics.(3 credits; alternate years, consult department)

(4 credits)(IGE option under Cross-Cultural Engagement) This course develops a sociological perspective on ethnicity, power, and identity. Sociologists frequently seek to balance an emphasis on both the general patterns that we observe across social phenomena and the uniqueness of each specific case. The primary goal of this course is not simply learn the characteristics of specific historically marginalized populations. Instead, this course will seek to answer the question: What is the relationship between power, ethnicity, and identity? Our readings and discussions will shed light upon this question from different perspectives. Along the way, we will also draw upon learning materials that address the unique historical situations of specific groups as they endure and struggle against power imbalances (for example, the African American Civil Rights Movement).

In this course students will explore the identity of the church by engaging biblical, historical, cultural, and missional perspectives, grounding the life and ministry of the church in God?s ministry to the world in Jesus Christ. More specifically, this course will focus on the nature and role of youth ministry as an expression of this ministry as students are called to enter into the experiences of young people within contemporary Western culture. Prerequisite: REL 250. (4 credits)

This course introduces students to the management and leadership opportunities and skills required in the sport and fitness industry. The applied skills of organizational planning, human resource management, problem solving, communication and motivation in a sport leadership context are the primary focus in this course. (3 credits; alternate years, consult department)

A general overview of the biblical-theological foundations and historical context of whole Christian mission, with special emphasis upon modern cross-cultural mission theories, international and community development, and the theory and practice of restorative justice. Prerequisite: BTS 250 or permission of instructor. (4 credits)

Based on a Christian worldview, this course explores the leadership, management, role development and clinical scholarship dimensions of professional nursing practice, with a distinctive emphasis on promoting shalom, servant leadership, social justice and sociopolitical change. Students will analyze the health care system at a microsystem, macrosystem and chronosystem level, focusing on national health care but also exploring global health issues. Foundational to this exploration is an analysis of the relationship of personal, professional and organizational values and ethics to health care leadership roles and activities. Clinical scholarship is emphasized as a moral duty of Christian nurses committed to continuing Jesus' healing ministry. The practicum component provides an opportunity for students to observe (a) the role played by a nurse servant leader and (b) engage in a leadership project as a basis for clinical scholarship. Learning experiences include service-learning, faith reflection and practicum experiences. Prerequisites: NUR420, NUR430 and NUR440. Concurrent prerequisites: NUR480 and NUR490. (4 credits, 3:1) (Writing intensive)